Celebrating Earth Day
Stories about the connections between the health of the planet and the health of its inhabitants
- April 2024
- From the Archives
From the passage of the 1970 Clean Air Act to current efforts to stem climate change, protecting human health has been central to the fight to defend the environment. As Margaret Chan, former director-general of the World Health Organization, has said, “A healthy planet and healthy people are two sides of the same coin.” In recognition of Earth Day, we’re taking a look back at Harvard Medicine stories that explore the effects of environmental degradation and celebrate the physicians and scientists who are finding solutions, like developing treatments that mitigate the effects of climate change, shaping public policy, and building a more sustainable health care system.
All Articles
-
Nature, Nurture Winter 2024
As Youth Demand Climate Action in Court, Doctors Bear Witness
A youth-led legal movement centers on the fundamental right to a healthy climate. Some physicians are providing key evidence to support these claims.
Feature -
Nature, Nurture Autumn 2023
Confronting Health Care’s Carbon Footprint
Hospitals are waking up to their climate change culpability and the mandate to act
Climate in the Clinic -
Nature, Nurture Summer 2023
A Walk in the Woods May Boost Mental Health
Many physicians are prescribing time in nature as balm for the brain
Feature -
Nature, Nurture Spring 2023
Climate Anxiety
The existential threat posed by climate change is deeply troubling to many young people
Feature -
Nature, Nurture Spring 2023
Microplastics Everywhere
The tiny particles are even in our bodies. What might this mean for our health?
Climate in the Clinic -
Nature, Nurture Autumn 2022
Flooding Brings Deep Trouble
Floods, exacerbated by climate change, deposit disease and distress
Climate in the Clinic -
Nature, Nurture Autumn 2022
Forces on Nature
A different perspective on earthly events sobers and stuns
Feature -
Nature, Nurture Spring 2022
Diseases Take Flight with Climate Change
The changing climate is providing opportunities for insects and other animals to spread infectious diseases to new populations
Feature -
Nature, Nurture Spring 2022
Noise and Health
Noise pollution is more than a nuisance. It's a health risk.
Climate in the Clinic -
Nature, Nurture Autumn 2021
The Effects of Heat on Older Adults
When heat intensifies, older adults weaken — but they don’t have to
Climate in the Clinic -
Nature, Nurture Spring 2021
What We Sow
Pesticide use, changing with the climate, threatens reproductive health
Climate in the Clinic -
Nature, Nurture Winter 2021
Particulates that Matter
Small airborne particles cause big problems, and some populations breathe in an unequal share
Climate in the Clinic -
Nature, Nurture Autumn 2017
Inherit the Wind
Changes in Earth’s climate are hurting our health and may well be dashing our hope to coexist peacefully
Feature -
Nature, Nurture Autumn 2017
A Canary Named West Virginia
Human health and the environment’s health are inseparable
Feature -
Nature, Nurture Autumn 2017
Outside, In
Physician-scientists track the profound effects the environment has on humans
Profile